Tommy Taylor, middle, and Terry o'Donnell, with a publicity shot circa 1986 marking the signing of a sponsorship deal with a British Airways representative. Sponsored airfares made it easier for Hamilton - and later Waikato United - to secure UK imports over a number of seasons.

John Walker (1992 photo) was Waikato United's founding chairman and a former Hamilton chairman. Indeed, as a well-connected Hamilton businessman (John Walker Printers) he rescued Hamilton AFC at least three times.

His own football career was cut short by injury when young, but he was a pillar of Waikato football for decades. A frugal, practical man, despite having built a highly successful business, he was unimpressed by airs, graces and pretentiousness, and had a habit of speaking his mind to the point of being downright abrasive, though remained highly respected in football.

Bruce Heappey was Waikato United chairman from 1992-93, havign originally been with Claudelands Rovers

Paul Meecham succeeded Bruce Heappey as Waikato United chairman in late 1993. As a player Meecham was goalkeeper for Rotorua City for nine years before joining Hamilton in 1978. played for Hamilton in the natonal league and also had the distinction of being selected as both a keeper and outfield player for Hamilton in the northern league.

Hamilton AFC life member and former president and committee member Harold Robinson.

Taken in the mid-90s. Harold did an awful lot of work at Muir Park over the decades. he was credited with having designed the Hamilton AFc logo.

Brian Lloyd, (1992 photo) a former Hamilton player, and coach of numerous teams and clubs, was the inagural coach of Waikato United's youth team, The Baby Bulls.

Referee John Cameron was as much a Muir Park legend as most players, and this photo had to go somewhere...

Here he Cameron pressing the flesh with Fifa president Joao Havelange in 1992. John looks very pleased, but Dr Havelange was always suspicious of happy refs.

Geoff Kettle quickly became a Muir Park legend after coming on board in 1988 when Waikato were drafted into the national league. He was Waikato United manager for all the club's matches apart from a short spell in 1995, when he was "sacked" after falling out with coach Eddie Edge. Kettle then returned when Edge was sacked.

it was thirsty work being manager, and Kettler invariably had a 6-pack of Waikato Draught inside the team ice pack - just in case. Kettle kept impeccable records, was highly organised and gold medal standard for club football team management. He only ever really came up short when pressed to do an aftermatch speech, when anything was a possibility.

Kettle's other claim to fame was as chairman of the Waikato Coaches Association, which used to run practical and theoretical sessions once a month at various venues. He had been with Nuneaton Borough as a player in the UK, with his career ended prematurely by knee problems.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.